Students Find Alumni Mentors Through WCU Shadows

Taylor Bracale, a WCU pre-business management student, got a taste of what a marketing executive does during a “typical” business day when alumna mentor Meghan Carrigan ’11 took her along for a work day at the PPL Center in Allentown, PA. Carrigan is the PPL Center’s director of marketing.

Bracale and Carrigan were two of the many participants in the WCU Shadows program, a collaboration between the WCU Twardowski Career Development Center and the WCU Alumni Association.

“There’s just no way you can judge what your daily life will be until you actually experience it,” says Carrigan. “Make no mistake: It’s a lifestyle. The day Taylor visited, my day began at 5 a.m. and went until 11 p.m. PPL Center hosts more than 150 events each year, so it truly does become a lifestyle.”

Bracale agreed that there is no way to communicate that kind of energy and commitment in a classroom. “Classes can give you an indication, but it’s not the same as the actual environment. That was a high-energy day. I met with a lot of Meghan’s colleagues and I really got a feel for the scope of responsibility she has. I was on every level of the venue.”

Second-year students in all majors can apply for the program. “It’s critical for students to engage their career development process early,” says Kate Shellaway, assistant director of the Twardowski Center.

Carrigan, who says she’s “passionate about my career, the sports and entertainment industry, and West Chester University,” volunteered for the program as soon as she learned about it. Bracale found the experience even better than she’d hoped. “I came home and immediately applied for several internships. The experience was truly invaluable. I’m really glad I signed up.”